VOL 84, No.2 To preserve “Whatever is left to us of our ancient heritage.” T.E. Brown Summer 2013 NAMA President’s Message

Last time I wrote the President’s important we might not realize the other aspects of the letter we were all looking for- Manx economy.* Revenues for visitor spending also went ward to Spring. Unfortunately, up by 5% this past year. Spring had a very hard time coming this year. Over Easter, Another fun fact is that the was the first country the Isle of Man had the worst to award women the vote in 1881. It is also the first country snowstorm in 50 years. in Western Europe to give people ages 16 and 17 the vote in national elections. The Manx National Song Book has the song “The Sheep Under The more you know about the Isle of Man, the better you the Snow” which contains a can encourage others to join our organization. There are so very haunting melody. I didn’t really understand it until many unique and fun facts about the island to arouse inter- I saw pictures of sheep and other animals that had been est and this is the year to do so. buried under the snow. Thousands perished while others were rescued with the help of many people. Workers worked If we all found one person to join, it would greatly increase round the clock to rescue animals, restore power and help our membership. The fact that the NAMA Convention will people in isolated areas of the island. The Isle of Man is to be on the Isle of Man next summer (2014) is an additional be commended for their response to the storm. incentive. Find a relative, neighbor or friend to join us.

Here in the United States there were snowstorms well into Lhiats, the second week of May in the Central Plains and the Mid- Jody Morey west. Even though we had some warm days to tease us, here NAMA President in Wisconsin we had frost last week. I am anxiously wait- ing to put in my Manx Marvel tomatoes that I received from Mary Kelly. The Isle of Man is noted for their homegrown Membership: On the front of this newsletter you should produce and its quality. The Manx Marvel is a heritage to- see a dollar amount. It could be $0 which means Good mato and the seeds were discovered in a seed bank around for You! You membership dues are all paid up. If it says 2006. Some growers are now producing them. It is larger anything else it’s time to get out the checkbook and than a cherry tomato, but small for a tomato. I find it is the send your membership dues to John Prendergast, perfect size for a BLT or for eating for one person. The taste 10251 S Bell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643. And remember, is great and I’m told it is fantastic for making salsa so I will unless you’re a signed up member you can’t get to attend have to try that. the Convention next year in the Isle of Man. And if that isn’t a big enough incentive, you may not receive the next The Isle of Man is working on helping people with longterm copy of the super exciting NAMA Bulletin! unemployment and is actively helping people learn the work skills needed in industries having difficulty recruiting suit- Great Idea: One of our members had just paid for all able workers. Coaches and mentors are also aiding people his grandchildren to become NAMA members. It’s a fan- find and retain work. There are manufacturing jobs on the tastic way to pass on awareness of your Manx ancestry. Isle of Man that produce parts for jet aircraft, space shuttles, Like so many heritage societies, NAMA has a top-heavy laser surgery and gas and oil rigs. While most of us rec- membership of elderly people. We MUST attract young ognize the fishing, farming, and banking business that is members if we are to continue. Please consider Additional costs you’ll need to budget for: yss a d g FOOD - Thursday -- A light reception will be offered by Manx Na- n h tional Heritage early in the evening as part of our tour. (If i

required, a full dinner should be budgeted for separately.) !

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- Friday -- Lunch and dinner are included in your Conven- tion Fee today. Evening meal will be heavy appetizers at our NAMANorth american manx association 4th of July Celebration. (If required, a full dinner should be We’re going back! budgeted for separately.) Isle of Man 2014 NAMA Convention 2014 -- - Saturday -- On your own for lunch. IT’S ONLY A YEAR AWAY! - Sunday -- On your own for lunch. The Sefton Carvery costs around $35-$40 and needs to be booked well in advance. Dates: Starts at noon Thursday July 3rd and ends 10.30pm Other local cafes and restaurants are within easy walking on Monday July 7th 2014 distance and are less expensive. Plans for Sunday dinner are in hand but not yet finalized. Convention Hotel: The Sefton. There are atrium and seaview rooms available. Please quote NOR040714 when you make a - Monday -- On your own for lunch at Tynwald or in Doug- reservation. Special room rates for NAMA members attend- las. Set dinner at an Italian restaurant will be offered at $25 ing the Convention start at £115.00 and $120 per room per per head. Cash bar at our Last Night Singalong. night, including breakfast, will be honored for room nights before or after the Convention. The Sefton can be reached on EVENTS 011-441 -624-645-500 (This includes the international code) - Saturday -- Break-out day. Several activities around the or you can email them at [email protected] (If calling, island will be arranged. Those that require travel outside remember IOM time is ET + 5 hours.) Douglas will incur a transport charge of a few dollars. Other events will be arranged at the hotel at no extra charge. COST We are still putting together the program and will mail a - Sunday -- Optional activity. The Governor’s Garden Party full breakdown of costs and travel options later this year. at the International Business School in the grounds of the As prices are so much more expensive on the island than in old Nunnery building. The Manx government has offered us America we are trying very hard to trim costs to the bone. In 60 free places. First come, first served, to this standing only addition, it is a long weekend and we have an extra day of event hosted by the Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Man. activities to schedule. Currently, we are trying to minimize A return taxi will cost approximately $30. the number of events that are charged for, and to offer a la carte choices where appropriate. Currently, we hope that DISABLED ACCESS costs will be in the $250-$275 range but that could change, The Sefton Hotel is fully accessible to handicapped visi- tors. However, the trip to the island is long and complicated. Conventioneers will need to book their flights and accommo- Please check the route you intend to take from your landing dation themselves. Flights should be booked as soon as pos- airport to the island. As we mentioned in our last newsletter, sible. Alternatives to the Sefton include The Antrim, a board- there is no direct transfer at Heathrow. Dublin and Manches- ing house with bed and breakfast which is said to be very ter offer international and internal flights. Check them first nice and good value as an alternative. We will have much for connecting flights. more hard information on all aspects of the Convention in the Fall newsletter. We will do our best to help disabled visitors participate in all activities. The visit to the Tynwald Ceremony at St. John’s Field is the most obvious event that could present difficulties but we will endeavor to be as inclusive as possible. Please be realistic in your expectations.

2 List of Officers:

Honorary President 2nd Vice-President Genealogist Marshall Cannell, Jim Kneale, Clarksville, MD Lucy Q. Peterson, Buffdale, UT Wellesley Hills, MA [email protected] 3rd Vice President Honorary Vice-Presidents Katy Prendergast, Chicago, IL Webmaster Noel Cringle, Isle of Man Jim Kneale, Clarksville, MD Dorcas Costain-Blann, Secretary [email protected] Isle of Man Bill McCarthy [email protected] Trustees Immediate Past-President 1006 Cameron Street, Joyce Benjamin, Madison, WI Jim Corlett, Denver CO Alexandria, VA 22314 Richard Corrin Jr. Glenview, WI

Past-President Treasurer Sally Dalquist John Prendergast [email protected] President 10251 S Bell Avenue, Chicago, Jody Morey, Mount Horeb, WI IL 60643 [email protected] Chaplain 1st Vice-President Rev. Canon Stephen Shaitberger Kelly McCarthy, Alexandria, VA 2356 W Via Rialto Ave [email protected] Meza, AZ 85202 1006 Cameron Street, Alexandria, [email protected] VA 22314. Will host 2014 Convention in Douglas, Isle of Man. Bored? Got a few minutes to island of culture 2014

kill? Learn some Manx! Free! Plans are taking shape for the Isle of Man to celebrate Is- land of Culture 2014. The initiative marks the culmination The latest app for your smartphone, of a 10-year National Arts Development Strategy, which iPad or iPhone is the must-have set out a long-term vision for the arts in the Isle of Man. Learn Manx. It’s a super-easy listen 2014 will be a year to celebrate the Island’s culture through and repeat program based on the dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, literature, festivals, successful adult language course film and digital innovation - and leave a lasting legacy for run by the Manx Heritage Founda- creativity and the arts in the Isle of Man. While IOC2014 tion and it’s a fantastic resource will obviously give Isle of Man residents the opportunity to for all those who are interested in celebrate their culture, it’s hoped that the wide variety of getting to grips with Manx Gaelic. events will attract visitors, in particular Manx people who ‘Learn Manx’ consists of ten units, no longer live in the Island - which ties in nicely with our each consisting of a variety of ac- Convention planned for Tynwald national week next year. tivities, whilst two additional revi- To keep up-to-date with all the 2014 news, sion lessons feature the TT Races as learning tools. The app visit www.islandofculture.im will eventually cover 30 units in total, providing a sound You can also follow what’s happening at www.twitter.com/ introduction to the language to those unfamiliar with it, as islandofculture and www.facebook.com/islandofculture well as a great revision course for those who already know some Manx. Download from the App Store or Google Play. You can also use Learn Manx on your computer at home direct from the website www.learnmanx.com.

3 The Snow of 2013 -- ployed for dialysis patients, accidents and women in labor. The Police lost vehicles in snow banks. The news from the From your own correspondent: farmers worsened. Hundreds of sheep were lost. Kelly McCarthy Then the -Ramsey coast road was cleared. Buses could now make it to within a mile of Peel. People trapped in their homes hiked across snowy fields seeking light, warmth, food, fuel. Eventually the road through Kirk Michael was opened -- just one lane for emergency vehicles. Naturally, a few idi- ots drove down it and delayed the EMS. The hill farmers were distraught; they had lost thousands and thousands of sheep. Cattle, too, had perished. On top of a terribly wet summer their livelihoods were now so imperiled that a relief fund was created to help them get through it all.

It took weeks for the snow to clear from the mountain. The island had not had a snowstorm like this for many years -- a I happened to be on the Island during the Blizzard of ’13. It once in a lifetime event for most people. was absolutely unbelievable. Being based in Ramsey, across from the beach, I was astonished to look out of my window to see the ocean broiling against the seawall, just yards from the house. The windows were lashed and rattled with hail- stones and sleet, but no snow stuck on the ground so close to the sea. Gradually, the news began to filter through: The Mountain Road was closed. Then, the road through Kirk Mi- Bob Carswell R.B.V. chael was closed. Then, amazingly, the coast road through Laxey closed. Ramsey, despite having no significant snowfall The Island’s most prestigious was cut off. annual award for culture, the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, has We began to hear of 30ft snowdrifts on the hills and inland, been awarded to Bob Carswell of power cuts across the central spine of the island, of zero for his outstanding contribu- access to Peel on the West coast. Then the farmers’ news tion to many areas of Manx began to spread. The newborn lambs were lost in drifts on culture. It is the only Manx the hills. Could volunteers with 4x4s get to central meet- Award which allows the recip- ing spots? We’ll walk along the wall where the sheep will be ient to add letters after their huddled. Bring long sticks to poke in the snow to feel for soft name.

The award was presented by the Chairman of the Manx Heritage Foundation, the Hon MHK who out- lined the extraordinary breadth of Bob’s interest in Manx culture. He was described as one of the most knowledgeable and modest of men; a skilled poet, songwriter and transla- tor, a fine musician, singer, and historian. Through his work in broadcasting and education he has made his deep under- standing of Manx culture, language and history accessible to a wide audience. lumps. People turned up in their hundreds. The Manx Co- operative Society chartered a Hercules cargo plane to bring He has been involved in writing and broadcasting in Manx in provisions. The Manx Electricity Authority worked around since the 1970s and in providing books and rhymes for the clock to restore power. The roads were still closed. The Manx language playgroups from 1983. Since 2006 he has District Nurses drove their cars until they couldn’t and lo- been working to develop Manx language resources for the cals in 4-wheel drive vehicles would tow them out of ditches, (Manx School) and Unnid Gaelgagh or drive them on to their patients. The helicopter was de- (Manx Language Unit). His songs have been arranged and 4 recorded by the Mollag Band, Caarjyn Cooidjagh and Bar- rule and he has been commissioned to write new songs for primary schools.

He has danced with the Manx Folk Dance Society, Bock Yuan Fannee and Bock Bane and continues to play music at ses- staying in touch sions and with the Calor Gas Ceilidh Band. He has long been involved in organising festivals like Yn Chruinnaght and the with nama – on a volunteer basis and involving a considerable amount of his personal time. He is a member of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee and is one of the most important MEMBERS: voices in broadcasting as far as Manx culture is concerned – We’re on Facebook at NAMA 2014 Con- his programs for Manx Radio include Claare ny Gael, Traa dy vention and North American Manx Liooar and Shiaght Laa. He has worked extensively on proj- Association. ects such as Caarjyn as Fennee (children’s cartoons) and to produce YouTube broadcasts on aspects of culture. You can check our website to find links to Manx Societies across America and Can- As part of his award, Bob was asked to nominate a Manx cul- ada as well as recipes, membership details and ran- tural group who would receive a donation of £500 from the dom Manx facts. www.northamericanmanx.org. The Manx Heritage Foundation to further their work. He chose NAMA Members Only area of our website is password to give the donation to the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh at St John’s. protected and can only be accessed by paid-up mem- bers of NAMA. Type in these passwords when prompted. • User Name: nama • Password: tynwald

Our blog is used to update members on events of interest to Americans of Manx descent. During the run up to the 2014 Convention it will also share information on trip details. THE MANX MUSIC FESTIVAL http://namanx.blogspot.com.

The Manx Music Festival is an annual music festival held at the end of each April in Douglas. It was originally founded in 1892 after music classes were included in the Fine Arts and Industrial Guild, after which the festival gets its colloquial name of “The Guild”. The first performance of the Manx Na- tional Anthem occurred at The Guild in 1907, accompanied Our Manx Cat Experiences by Harry Wood’s Orchestra. Local people and visitors are in- by Frank Evans and Mary Kelly - Part II vited to take part in various singing, instrumental, drama and public speaking classes. Being unfamiliar with the “cloak of Manannan” our plan to bring home a Manx cat did not take in to account dense At the close of the festival, morning fog often surrounding the Isle of Man. The cat did winners of the individual not arrive in London until late afternoon, and we could not voice categories compete board a flight for Chicago until the next morning. We had to win the Cleveland Med- to stay that night in an airport hotel, but knew if the cat al, first donated in 1923 by touched English soil, it would most likely be quarantined for the Cleveland Manx Society. months (at the owners’ expense). Our arrival at Chicago Cus- CONGRATULATIONS to mezzo toms was a bit dicey when it was discovered that the cat had soprano Elizabeth Townsend - “no tail.” I explained that it had not lost the tail, that it was winner of the 2013 Cleveland a Manx cat that was born that way, and if it had had a tail, Medal - the highest award in we would not be importing it. A supervisor was called, and, the Manx Music Festival. ultimately, they let us pass.

Since adopting that second Manx cat in 1974, we have had many experiences with Manxies. In 1977 our winter project was to register our Manx-born dark classical tabby with 5 continued page 6 white bib and feet with The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) comes from Iceland where it may have originated. He than as “Manninagh Laxey Rhaa.” We also registered her with the read some of his father, Stephen Christian’s, autobiography American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA). Even though the from 1960. Then Joan and Norm Gill shared a story about a standards for Manx cats in America are quite different than bridge that had a family name on it and how they tracked in Great Britain, in June she became a CFA Champion. it down, and how their relatives had come from Glen May and immigrated to both Iowa and Canada. Next, June Sibell In 1980, on another trip to the shared a story of one of the trips her family had taken to the Island, I brought another Manx island and how struck they were to be standing the midst of cat back. We named him “Bal- their early family history thinking this is where it all started. ley Cashtal Kayt,” or Castle- She also shared a book of pictures from the Manx cemetery town Cat; we called him “Ket,” in the early 1990s. Linda Lange was up next sharing a brief or “Ket-ket.” He was a hand- family history and the fact that her husband will be travel- some black and white dimpled ing to the island this year. Then Sally Dahlquist told the his- rumpy kitten. He grew to be a tory of her family by sharing the history of Corrin’s Tower in large handsome and well-pro- Peel and showed the three different family trees she brought

Mary Kelly with Felix. portioned cat with a very gen- along. Next Janice Leafer told a little about her grandfather Photo credit: Gary Tuescher tle nature. Ket had a distinctly who was originally from Lower Foxdale and who worked different purr and occasionally seem to “coo.” Sometime lat- as an electrician in the iron-ore mines. She then showed a er, we adopted two domestic Maltese Manx rumpy kittens: picture of her great-grandmother from ancestory.com. She Tanny and Cara. Tanny, the male, had health problems and also shared that it was her mother’s birthday today and even had to live on a farm. Cara, the tiny female, lived with us though she had passed away she would have enjoyed have a many years. At the age of 19 our beloved Ket met a peaceful Manx meeting on her birthday. Pat Boehne shared that her end, at home with both of us, and our veterinarian attending. great-grandmother and father Thomas and Jane Callister had come from IOM. Thomas had originally been a bound For five months, Cara, Frank, and I mourned the loss of Ket. boy and worked for a farmer for room and board till he was Finally, in early December 1998, we called the shelter, and 21 after his own father died at sea. She also showed her fam- they just happened to have a 3-year old Manx cat named “Fe- ily tree not only reaching to the IOM but also to New Zealand. lix” for us to adopt. Now in my seventies, I can recall having Next was Peggy Rudnitski who told of her relatives who came had feline companions nearly all my life, except for a couple from the IOM to Galva, Illinois and showed several pictures of years, when we had a black rabbit named “Thumper,” but from the later 1800s. People brought all manner of book and that’s another story…. pictures there was so much that this is just the briefest of overviews.

Vancouver Manx Spring Break arrived and we held our annual Bowling/Piz- za afternoon. As usual there was much laughter during the event as we strived to hit those high scores (tried being the SOCIETY NEWS operative word). Bowlers ranged from 3 years old thru to over 80. Prizes were Minnesota Manx handed out for high score, most enthusiastic and whatever Our last meeting was held in Pat Boehne’s beautiful party else Kevin could think of. Afterwards, we all enjoyed pizza room. Thanks to Pat for being a charming hostess for yet before calling it an afternoon. Thanks to Old Orchard Bowl- another year. Before the meeting started we settled into the ing Alley in Burnaby for the great service and reduction in tables chatting back and fourth and eating from a wide va- rates for our players. Pictures to follow in next newsletter! riety of delicious pot-luck food. The meeting began by going around the room and sharing a piece of our family history. Want to start a Society? Some were from people who could not make it the meeting and were read by Joan Gill. Cindy Christian Rogers sent this It’s not too hard to start a local society. Seasoned NAMA web site http:/www.eset.com to share her family history. members are full of useful ideas and are a great resource Mrs. McGonagle sent her greetings and mentioned that her when getting started. son was interested in finding out more about his Manx heri- tage and would like to try DNA testing. Joan also brought copies of some post cards she received from Karl Anderson.. Dan and Ilean Christian shared that the Christian name also 6 NAMA Membership Enrollment Form Promote and Protect our Manx Heritage

Join now and make sure you keep receiving your newsletter and don’t forget to mail us if you change your address Please print your information and mail with your check to John Prendergast at the address below.

Name Spouse

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State/Prov Zip/PC Family Membership Dues Amount

Individual Membership Dues Amount Annual $20 Annual $15 LIFE LIFE Under age 50 $325 Under age 50 $250 Age 50-59 $235 Age 50-59 $175 Age 60 and over $200 Age 60 and over $125 To become a NAMA member, or to renew your membership, Junior $2 Please send this form and your check or money order to: (age 1-18 yrs, no bulletin John Prendergast NAMA Treasurer Total Remittance 10251 South Bell Ave. (in U.S. Dollar or equivalent amount Chicago, IL 60643-1901 USA

Detach Here

In Remembrance

Eleanor “Ellie’ Jerner Gawne, of Framingham and Natick MA, passed away due to complica- tions of the flu on January 14, 2013 at the age of 89. She was born in Excelsior, Minnesota in 1923 to Jerry and Sigrid Jerner, attended Cornell College in Iowa, and earned a Doctorate of Education at Columbia University where she met her late husband John O. Gawne. She was very active in many education issues and societies, and wrote several textbooks, including ‘Dress,’ which was the standard high school Home Economics textbook in the 1970s. An early fear of flying led to her love of cruise ships. She spent so much time on the sea that she was named a (double) Master Mariner on the Holland American Lines. She is survived by her sons, Jonathan Gawne of Framingham, MA, and Timothy Gawne of Birmingham, AL.

We have two belated deaths to report from Illinois

Gladys M. Evans, 96, of Kewanee, IL. Passed away on December 27, 2011 at Kewanee Care Home. Gladys was born March 18, 1915, in Knox County, Illinois a daughter of F. Stanley and Eleanor Craine Kennaugh. She was married to Bennie R. Evans in Savanna, Illinois and (Kirk Conchan Wheel Cross by the late they resided in Peoria, Illinois. She was proud of her Isle of Man heritage and was a keen Maureen Costain Richards R.B.V) member of the Galva Manx Society.

The Chicago Manx Society just learned of the death of Dr. William Aubrey Moore, age 83, who passed away Mar. 17, 2008. He was an Army Veteran of WWII and the Korean conflict and long-time physician in the LaGrange/Hinsdale Area.

7 North American Manx Association PRESORT Kelly McCarthy STANDARD UP POSTAGE 1751 Olde Towne Road PAID Alexandria, VA 22307 LA GRANGE, IL PERMIT NO. 17

THE SNOW of 2013